The Top Maths Misconception Students Have in Preparing for the Selective Exam.

Growing up in an Asian household with first-generation parents, I was often told that maths was about repetition - because that’s how they had been taught in Korea. I can still picture myself as a child, sitting at the dining table with a thick workbook, page after page of almost identical questions and I fear students are also either being told to do this or are doing that themselves. I dreaded those long sessions, spending hours solving the same types of problems. While repetition can help with being fluent in skills like regurgitating the multiplication table, the bigger question is: is this really all it takes to succeed in maths, especially for the Selective Exam and continuing onto high school?

As a parent, I know you want the best for your child. From my experience, simply repeating questions may feel productive, but it doesn’t directly translate to the higher-order thinking needed for the Selective Exam. The Department of Education describes mathematics under the umbrella of ‘Working Mathematically,’ which emphasises not just practice, but the interconnected processes of communicating, reasoning, problem-solving, and developing fluency (NSW Department of Education, n.d.). These processes should be embedded within the mathematical concepts being taught to ensure students can make connections across topics and apply their knowledge effectively.

The syllabus highlights that true competence develops as students progress through each stage of learning. For example, in topics like Additive Relations, a student’s proficiency is shown by their choice of strategies and their efficiency in applying them appropriately (NSW Department of Education, n.d.). This demonstrates that success comes from understanding concepts, reasoning logically, and solving problems creatively - not merely completing repetitive exercises.

You may be wondering, ‘How else should I study for the Selective Exam?’ I’d like to break it down simply, so both you and your child can easily understand. The bigger picture is that your child needs to focus on three key areas:

1. Be confident with the topics – Ensure a solid understanding of the core concepts.

2. Learn the relevant strategies – Discover methods that apply specifically to each topic.

3. Test and apply the most efficient approach – Figure out which strategies work best for your child and use them effectively.

In short, preparing for the Selective Exam isn’t just about repeating questions - it’s about developing deeper mathematical skills so your child can think critically and tackle complex problems with confidence. That’s exactly what we focus on here at Precision. In our primary classes, we start by making sure every topic is thoroughly understood, and then we move on to practical exam strategies. For example, students learn to work backwards, use algebra to solve problems, or apply models to then find the most efficient method for them.

I’ve often seen new students who can solve a simple algebra equation in class, but when it comes to a worded problem or a slightly different format, they freeze. It’s like knowing how to ride a bike in the driveway, but never having to navigate traffic. At Precision, we give students the chance to apply their skills in multiple ways, so they learn not just the method, but how to think flexibly and adaptively. That’s the difference between rote learning and truly preparing to put your best foot forward in the Selective Exam.

Thus, sending your child to a large commercial tutoring centre isn’t always the best solution. It’s important to choose a specialist who understands these common misconceptions in their respective subject area and can provide the targeted support your child needs. We personally recommend NL English Academy (founded by Mr. Nelson) and Cortex Academy (founded by Mr. Alvin).